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First UK Silicosis Death Sparks Urgent Safety Calls

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Wessam al-Jundi, a 28-year-old stonemason, became the first UK death from silicosis after cutting quartz kitchen worktops.
He died in May 2024, five days after hospital admission for a lung transplant.
The coroner's report cited inadequate safety equipment and poor working conditions.
The UK faces rising silicosis cases, prompting calls for urgent regulatory action and the i Paper's Killer Kitchens campaign.

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Story summary

Wessam al-Jundi, a 28-year-old stonemason, became the first UK death from silicosis after cutting quartz kitchen worktops.
He died in May 2024, five days after hospital admission for a lung transplant.
The coroner's report cited inadequate safety equipment and poor working conditions.
The UK faces rising silicosis cases, prompting calls for urgent regulatory action and the i Paper's Killer Kitchens campaign.